MONTICELLO — In the 2021 track and field season, the Monticello Ponies sent five athletes to sectionals and three to state, with Evan Guenther making it on the podium with a sixth-place finish in the 1,600-meter run.

Guenther is back this spring for his senior season, as he not only seeks a return trip to state, but to break his own school records in the 1,600 (4:35.92), and the 800 (2:02.08). Next year he’ll run for UW-Eau Claire.

Also back are seniors Braylon Hoesly (distance), Wade Noriega (throws) and Hannah Clark (sprints) on the girls side, as well as sophomore Natalie Wahl (throws). 

“Ben Collins and Tait Swanson are back from last season and will both be looking to improve their times and potentially be a part of a relay team,” said Amalia Delwiche, Monticello’s coach. “We have eight freshmen joining the team, as well as a few other upperclassmen who will be excellent contributors to the team. We have more than doubled our numbers from last season which is really exciting to see more kids interested in track and trying something new for the first time for many of them. This really increases our capacity to be competitive in relays whereas last year, we didn’t have the depth for any.”

Delwiche said the team goals include finding some pleasant surprises and developing talent across the lineup, as well as sending multiple athletes back to the state meet.

“Our goals are to get Evan, Hannah, Wade, and Natalie to state as individuals and to take a 4x8 boys relay to state as well. I am excited to figure out the strengths of our new athletes and to see what kind of talent they bring to the team. I think there will be some pleasant surprises with the new athletes we have,” Delwiche said.

While her core competitors understand what is expected of them day in and out, a challenge she and assistant coach Rich Bailey will have to focus on will be teaching the sport to the newcomers, which could go a long way for 2023 and beyond.

“With the large number of new athletes, this year will be a big learning curve for them and for the team as well, as we transition to some new events that we were not able to be competitive in last year, due to the lack of depth. This year will be a lot of learning and trying new things which will ultimately set us up for success in future years,” Delwiche said.